Find out below who we'll honor on October 8 at BAA Honors 2022, and join us for a memorable evening as we celebrate and raise funds for a school that has changed the lives of so many talented and deserving youth by providing pathways to success.

Join us to see our Honorees in person, and celebrate BAA's 25 years of impact in its brand-new school building in the Fenway.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Lee Pelton, President and CEO, The Boston Foundation

Lee is a living legend whose philanthropic efforts throughout his career have touched the lives of so many students and underserved communities in the Boston area, including our very own young artists, scholars, and global citizens at BAA. Lee is the former president of Emerson College, one of BAA's founding ProArts colleges; Lifetime Chairman Emeritus of the BAA Foundation Board, and, his Foundation just awarded BAA with a $225,000 grant. 

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY: Lee Michael Kennedy, President and CEO, Lee Kennedy Co., Inc.

As the builder of the new, state-of-the-art Boston Arts Academy school building in the Fenway, Lee has been with us since day one as an avid supporter of our students, and of BAA Foundation’s mission. He is significantly involved in supporting our city's youth. Lee was the co-chair of BAA Honors 2021, and serves on many other boards, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester (Board Chair).

DANCE: Michaela DePrince, Second Soloist, Boston Ballet

Michaela is a world-renowned premier ballerina, and one of very few black classical soloists. She was born in war-torn Sierra Leone, and became an orphan after her parents died and her uncle abandoned her. She was later adopted by a family in the U.S. who noticed her passion for dance and enrolled her in dance classes. Michaela has danced all over the world, and has been featured on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars as well as the ballet documentary, First Position.

FASHION: Kobi Halperin, Creative Director, Kobi Halperin and Ungaro Paris

Kobi is an internationally-recognized fashion designer, expert and teacher, born and raised in Israel. He is known for his ready-to-wear styles featuring unique designs and exquisite details that embrace modern femininity. His fashion label can be found in Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and many more stores. He has also been executive creative director for both Elie Tahari and Kenneth Cole. Kobi visited Boston and mentored BAA's student in years past. 

MUSIC: Terri Lyne Carrington, Grammy Award–winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator

Terri, NEA Jazz Master, is a giant in jazz music, discovered at age ten by Ella Fitzgerald. Terri is a three-time Grammy award-winning musician, and the first woman to accept a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album. Terri is also the founder and artistic director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz And Gender Justice, one of BAA's founding ProArts colleges, and is a Medford native. 

TV + FILM: Latoyia Edwards, Emmy Award-Winning Anchor, NBC 10 Boston and NECN

Latoyia is an Emmy Award-Winning Anchor at NBC 10 Boston and NECN, born and raised in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood. She is a storyteller, sharing inspiring stories with the Boston community, and a role model. Last year, she made the courageous move to wear braids on television and encouraged viewers to be authentic in what feels natural for them. Latoyia hosted the live broadcast of last year's BAA Honors 2021 virtual event.

VISUAL ARTS: Bryan Rafanelli, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Rafanelli Events

Bryan is a world-renowned event planner best known for his customized approach to every project. Bryan has over two decades of experience in event production accumulating over 2,000 events in more than 20 states and nine countries. Bryan produced BAA Foundation's first-ever event, and we are thrilled to work with him again to bring his vision to life for BAA’s grandest celebration of all time on October 8.